Cleistocactus smaragdiflorus

Cleistocactus smaragdiflorus grows as a shrub with branched, arched to creeping shoots at the base and reaches heights of growth of up to 1 meter with a diameter of 2 to 3 cm (0.79 to 1.18 in). There are 12 to 14 low ribs present. The 4 to 6 yellowish or brown central spines are 1.5 to 3.5 inches long. The 10 to 34 radial spines that are up to 10 mm (0.39 in) long.

The tubular, straight flowers are erect and 4 to 5 cm (1.6 to 2.0 in) long. The flower tube is red to pink. The bracts are little spread. The stylus protrudes slightly from the flower. The spherical fruits reach a diameter of up to 1.5 cm (0.59 in).^[3]

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  Flower
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  Flower closeup
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  Plant in bloom
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  Plant in bloom

Cleistocactus smaragdiflorus is found among trees and bushes in the dry hills of the Bolivian department of Tarija and the Argentine provinces of Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán and Catamarca at altitudes of 300 to 1500 meters.^[4]

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  Habitat in La Merced, Catamarca, Argentina